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Sunday, 29 July 2012

Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted
by GrowingUp YA & saz101. The meme was created to help
spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational
quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so
that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little
SOMETHING.

Saturday, 28 July 2012

As you Potter fans probably already know, the amazing, magnificent, wonderful, etc. etc. etc. Sarah and Lauren have been hosting Potterthon all month long! And although it's drawing to a close soon (*sniff*) there are still tons of posts for you to check out if you've missed them! So be sure to stop by their blogs and take a look.

Yesterday (or today, depending on your time zone, I guess) Sarah posted a Team James vs. Team Snape post argued by the evilly talentedBrodie (she's Team James, ugh) and myself. I KNOW you all have a strong admiration for that heroic, brilliant man that fights to the end and never stops loving so now is the time to show it! :) Read the posts, vote for your favourite and feel free to leave a comment as well. ONWARD, TEAM SNAPE!

Thursday, 26 July 2012

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

In her exquisitely written fantasy debut, Rachel Hartman creates a rich, complex, and utterly original world. Seraphina's tortuous journey to self-acceptance is one readers will remember long after they've turned the final page.

Seraphina is a character that I had no trouble falling for. She gets grumpy and annoyed and is very much still trying to find where she fits into this world of dragons versus humans, despite the peace treaty that is currently in place. She's also a talented musician that can muster up plenty of courage and I am stoked to see just what she'll do in the next book.

The dragons in this novel are fantastic. Instead of jewels and treasures, these dragons hoard knowledge and keep their emotions tucked deep within their scaly exteriors. They also have human forms that they can shift into and are very much involved in the political decisions of the kingdom. I LOVED the politics and deep history of the dragons and humans. It's quite a heavy portion of the novel and it was just really fascinating to learn. In addition to that, there are some wonderfully thought-provoking topics such as acceptance and the importance of the arts.

Fantasy is and always has been my favourite genre to read and it's because of books like this. I feel connected, more so emotionally in this case, to Seraphina's world and every time I put down the book, I was scrambling to pick it back up again. There is a lot going on and I think it was one of those novels where you actually might need your thinking cap! Don't go into this book expecting fluffy romance and amusing one-liners. It is engrossing but not what I would call 'light.'

Written with fluid and gorgeous writing, Seraphina is definitely a novel that I hope you'll try!

Cover Comments: I love it to pieces! Man, wish I could sketch like that :)

Two young women from totally different backgrounds are thrown together during World War II: one a working-class girl from Manchester, the other a Scottish aristocrat, one a pilot, the other a wireless operator. Yet whenever their paths cross, they complement each other perfectly and before long become devoted friends.

But then a vital mission goes wrong, and one of the friends has to bail out of a faulty plane over France. She is captured by the Gestapo and becomes a prisoner of war. The story begins in “Verity’s” own words, as she writes her account for her captors.

Code Name Verity is a beautiful, beautiful story.

Captured by the Gestapo and held for information, "Verity" begins the long task of writing out the story of Maddie, a female pilot in the war, in exchange for a bit of extra time before her inevitable death. It sounds morbid. It is.

But also in this novel is friendship and bravery, loyalty and strength. It's the historic tale (although "Verity's" story is fictional) of what people are forced to do in times of war and of how far people will go for what they believe in. Reading this novel was like being pulled through a blender in the best possible way. My emotions were are in tatters and I felt so connected to everything that was happening. For the few days that it took me to read this book, I was there in WWII. I felt so utterly immersed in the Nazi prison and all of the other locations constantly shadowed by the war. This book will transport you to times past -- with emotions and feelings and history -- and it is an amazing thing.

I will say though that this novel was not an easy one for me to get into. I really struggled at the beginning (before getting completely hooked!) with all of the nitty gritty, technical details of aircrafts and flight manoeuvres and war operations. If you find yourself feeling it too, I really hope that you'll power through! The book picked up insanely for me as I got further into it.

"Verity" is such a complex narrator. She is not entirely reliable which adds a nice bit of suspense (ha, as if there wasn't enough) to the book and even as she is confessing everything she knows and therefore betraying her country, she still has these small moments of rebellion and humour and just life.

I did not see the twists in this novel coming at all and each one was equivalent to a train knocking me flat. I so cried while reading Code Name Verity and I felt emotionally drained at the end of it but I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

Cover Comments: Simple and striking with actual significance to the story -- more so, in my opinion, for the feel of it than the actual event.

4.5/5 because of the beginning!

Changed rating to 5 stars (Sept. 18) because if I can get the urge to yell out "KISS ME, HARDY!" and sob months later... that's sure as hell worthy of all the stars.

Thursday, 19 July 2012

Though she tries returning to the life she knew before the accident, Pierce can't help but feel at once a part of this world, and apart from it. Yet she's never alone... because someone is always watching her. Escape from the realm of the dead is impossible when someone there wants you back.

But now she's moved to a new town. Maybe at her new school, she can start fresh. Maybe she can stop feeling so afraid.

Only she can't. Because even here, he finds her. That's how desperately he wants her back. She knows he's no guardian angel, and his dark world isn't exactly heaven, yet she can't stay away... especially since he always appears when she least expects it, but exactly when she needs him most.

But if she lets herself fall any further, she may just find herself back in the one place she most fears: the Underworld.

I remember first finding out that Meg Cabot was publishing this book. As a huge Cabot fan, I had grown up reading her contemporaries and the idea of something a little darker and a little more mysterious was fascinating. So, rewind over a year later and here I am! Still as captivated by this idea as I was when I first heard of it.

I've read that a lot of other reviewers were confused by the constant flashbacks and switching between time frames and I totally get that. I think a large part of the reason it wasn't an issue for me was because I read it all in one sitting so everything was very fresh in my mind. I actually came to like the choppier style of writing. I think it makes for a nice change of pace from the usual! And, of course, it also does wonders for the mysterious atmosphere of the novel. There's a reason I read this all in one go!

Another reason is just Meg Cabot. Every single time I read one of her books, I am so utterly engrossed that I can't let go of it until it's over. Her writing style is very easy to read with narration that feels familiar and comfortable right from the beginning.

Pierce isn't my favourite of Meg Cabot's heroines but I liked her. She's not traditionally 'smart' but she genuinely cares and wants to help, which is a big checkmark for her in my book! I wish that John had been more present in the novel as I feel we only really see glimpses but I was still intrigued by his character despite not falling head over heels for him. I have a feeling this is only the beginning where Pierce and John are involved and hopefully we'll witness some growth from the pair as the series moves on!

Fun and easy to read with a darker promise lining its pages.

Cover Comments: I love it. The earthy tones, the unconscious girl, the gold detailing... It just screams 'Greek myth' to me! :)

Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine so that (this is me paraphrasing) we can all FREAK OUT TOGETHER about some rocking upcoming books. Warning: extreme fangirling may occur.

Audrey Whitticomb has nothing to fear. Her mother is the superhero Morning Star, the most deadly crime-fighter in the Twin Cities, so it’s hard for Audrey not to feel safe. That is, until she’s lured into the sweet night air by something human and not human—something with talons and teeth, and a wide, scarlet smile.

Now Audrey knows the truth: her mom doesn’t fight crime at night. She fights Harrowers—livid, merciless beings who were trapped Beneath eons ago. Yet some have managed to escape. And they want Audrey dead, just because of who she is: one of the Kin.

To survive, Audrey will need to sharpen the powers she has always had. When she gets close to someone, dark corners of the person’s memories become her own, and she sometimes even glimpses the future. If Audrey could only get close to Patrick Tigue, a powerful Harrower masquerading as human, she could use her Knowing to discover the Harrowers’ next move. But Leon, her mother’s bossy, infuriatingly attractive sidekick, has other ideas. Lately, he won’t let Audrey out of his sight.

When an unthinkable betrayal puts Minneapolis in terrible danger, Audrey discovers a wild, untamed power within herself. It may be the key to saving her herself, her family, and her city. Or it may be the force that destroys everything—and everyone—she loves.

Ooh, superheroes! :D This one sounds very exciting with some good action, a mystery and maybe even a bit of romance! And again... superheroes!!

Monday, 16 July 2012

It isn't easy being the rather overlooked and unhappy youngest sibling to sisters named for the other six days of the week. Sunday’s only comfort is writing stories, although what she writes has a terrible tendency to come true.

When Sunday meets an enchanted frog who asks about her stories, the two become friends. Soon that friendship deepens into something magical. One night Sunday kisses her frog goodbye and leaves, not realizing that her love has transformed him back into Rumbold, the crown prince of Arilland—and a man Sunday’s family despises.

The prince returns to his castle, intent on making Sunday fall in love with him as the man he is, not the frog he was. But Sunday is not so easy to woo. How can she feel such a strange, strong attraction for this prince she barely knows? And what twisted secrets lie hidden in his past - and hers?

Enchanted is such a charming, lovely read... Surely a group of bookish fairy godmothers have sprinkled some magic on to each and every page! :)

I lost track of the different tales and stories that Alethea references, however small. It's clear that a lot of thought and planning went into fitting them in seamlessly and it definitely pays off! The threads between stories are intertwined so perfectly and reading through the book to discover the next is a treat.

Sunday is a delightful main character. She is kind and interesting (no matter what that pesky rhyme says) and just generally good. I adored her relationship with Rumbold from the moment it began -- they were just way too sweet! Although they fall for each other very quickly, it's done in such a heart warming manner that I couldn't bring myself to mind.

Reading Enchanted made me want to fall into the world for myself and experience the magic and wonder that seemed to be everywhere. There's just some quality to this novel that I can't describe that really brought me back to when I was younger and reading all these fairytales for the first time. Alethea Kontis creates a mesmerizing atmosphere and doesn't release you from its hold until the very end.

Sunday, 15 July 2012

Cover Correction will be a semi-regular feature I do over on the blog to spotlight some recent (or maybe even old) cover changes to series. Some changes I hate and some changes I love, so I'd love to be able to talk about some of those! Also, if you have any better names for the feature, feel free to put out your suggestions, my super creative readers! :)

This is definitely the cover change that stands out to me the most. I think the blogosphere kind of exploded when images of the new covers started to surface.

Okay. I have tried really hard to like the new set and while I don't mind the covers for Nightshade or Bloodrose, I HATEWolfsbane's cover. I don't know what Penguin was intending with that pose Calla's in but um, I'm not a fan. And the colouring? It is so dark that the whole thing looks almost black. I thought it would be better IRL but it's really not.

I did like the original cover (sparkly!) but I like the new one so much more. I just think it's very representative of the tone of the story. Tahereh Mafi's writing is definitely one of a unique style and I think the whimsical sort of things they do with Juliette's eye reflect that.

Okay, I haven't actually read this book yet so I can't judge based on accuracy to content, but I can say which is more visually appealing to me! I'm kind of sad they changed the direction for these covers. The original looks amazing IRL with the texture of the paper feeling kind of rough. I just loved the overall look of the original, especially with the colours. That sad, the new isn't bad by any means. I still like it.

Preferred:Original

What are your thoughts on these cover corrections? I'd love to hear them! :)

Wednesday, 11 July 2012

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine so that (this is me paraphrasing) we can all FREAK OUT TOGETHER about some rocking upcoming books. Warning: extreme fangirling may occur.

The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever.

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST

The hunters of Shima's imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger – a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A HIDDEN GIFT

Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her.

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.

Although backed up by an interesting idea, Carrier of the Mark ultimately fell short for me for several reasons.

I've said it before and I have no doubt that I'll say it again: I am a character person. While I didn't have a problem with most of the supporting characters (one huge exception), I could not stand the main character. Megan came across to me as so weak and selfish, and she was way too clingy to Adam for my liking. Speaking of Adam, I wasn't too huge a fan of his either. While I can sort of see his motives, he seemed controlling and condescending for a large chunk of the novel.

I don't think (and please, correct me if I'm wrong) that I'm generally one to rant about insta love in my reviews but wow, this book. I rolled my eyes so. many. times. while reading this book. Megan and Adam become inseparable and willing to destroy the world to be together after probably a maximum of a few months. Yet, I don't really recall them doing much talking or interacting beyond make-out sessions and a few behind-the-scenes get-togethers. If there is going to be such a strong connection and pull in a couple, I want to actually be witness to them bonding together. In this case, I felt like one second they were staring at each other across the room and the next they were in pain when they weren't together for an hour.

The lore of this novel was one part that managed to capture my attention for the most part. It was all interesting information and I was quite eager to learn more about the history of how Megan and Adam came to be. That said, I do wish the information had been a bit more staggered in its delivery. It was at times a lot to take in after a long period of pure romance and such with Megan and Adam. There were also parts of the plot that made absolutely no sense to me in that they sound so implausible... but I guess it's called fiction for a reason.

Unfortunately not a book for me.

Cover Comments: Looooove this cover! The stormy colours and large, classic font work so well for the mood of this cover. And then the image itself of Megan is stunning... I love all of the details and how she's suspended in air like that. Awesome!

Libby Kelting had always felt herself born out of time. No wonder the historical romance-reading, Jane Austen-adaptation-watching, all-around history nerd jumped at the chance to intern at Camden Harbor, Maine’s Oldest Living History Museum. But at Camden Harbor Libby’s just plain out of place, no matter how cute she looks in a corset. Her cat-loving coworker wants her dead, the too-smart-for-his-own-good local reporter keeps pushing her buttons, her gorgeous sailor may be more shipwreck than dreamboat — plus Camden Harbor’s haunted. Over the course of one unforgettable summer, Libby learns that boys, like ghosts, aren’t always what they seem.

On the lookout for that fun and breezy summer read? Look no further than Pilgrims Don't Wear Pink.... Almost guaranteed to make you smile.

Libby was a super fun protagonist. She's a total history nerd, has a love for fashion and has quite a few sassy lines that will make you laugh. While I thought that Libby was heaps of fun, I did have my moments of annoyance with her. There was one big thing in particular that I thought Libby was so incredibly naive about. I understand where she was coming from but it just seemed like a very, very, very obvious mistake in my mind. That said, I think Libby's positive attitude and friendly character outweighed the negatives in her behaviour.

Libby's hilarious best friend, Dev, was definitely my favourite character in the novel. I laughed at every encounter with him and I really do think that he proved to be an amazing friend for Libby. Garrett, the local reporter, was great with his nerdy tendencies and quick comebacks.

The romance is fairly believable and makes for a read that is very easy to get through. I loved all of the historical details that are sprinkled throughout the novel -- Libby really knows her stuff! -- and I think of anything, that's what I would want to learn more of. Libby's group of camp girls were absolutely adorable and I loved every minute spent with them!

Wednesday, 4 July 2012

Angela over at Reading Angel hosts a page count contest every month and for the first time, I'll be participating! For most of this month (I'll start officially on Friday, right now I'm just training) I'll be... working. Unpaid, at that... Yay co-op!

So what does that mean? 8 hour days! But also an hour and a half of bus travel each way which could be a lot of good reading time once I know where I'm going. And while this may seem an odd time to start a reading challenge, I'm hoping that it will bring out some dormant competitive side of myself and that I'll be able to squeeze in some extra pages. After all, I am falling waaaaay behind on my Goodreads 2012 goal (19% behind!!!!).

I guess that I'll update this page as I go along? Unless you would be interested in new posts to update... Let me know if there's a preference!

Tuesday, 3 July 2012

The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series

Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

I don't think there is a single author on this planet that makes me as crazy as Richelle Mead does. I may have breathed like a handful of times while reading this [glorious] book but really, who cares about breathing when Adrian Ivashkov is on the page? Definitely not me. Bloodlines and The Golden Lily follow much the same formula for success as the Vampire Academy series and I have a great feeling that we're only getting started!

Sydney is a wonderful heroine. She's an academic genius but comparatively rather lacking when it comes to the social scene. I laughed myself to near tears as I read through some of her 'adventures' in the dating and socializing world. While I don't believe I've ever met anyone quite as brilliant as Sydney, she feels like a very real character to me and I just find her so, so, so endearing.

Adrian Ivashkov... Be still, my beating heart. Adrian's growth and development was off the charts in The Golden Lily! I can really spot the changes in him from the flippant party boy of Frostbite to the thoughtful and sometimes even responsible person he is now. That's not to say that he doesn't maintain his charm and wit -- they are abundant -- but there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Mr. Ivashkov.

Now, okay. Speaking of Sydney and Adrian... MY EMOTIONS. I am desperate to grab hold of Sydney and Adrian and lock them in a closet somewhere because really. The obvious pull between the two of them is so strong that I can't look away for a second. They complement each other so well and really bring about the strengths in each other... quite the contrasting pair.

While I did guess at some of the mystery in this novel early on, there were still a few things left to discover. Some interesting threads have been offered up and I can only imagine where they will lead in the upcoming books. In any case, with such a devastating ending (I think I read it about 6 times) there has to be a light shining in the distance!

To anyone that has not given Richelle Mead a shot: DO IT. Or I will disown you. (okay but seriously, PLEASE)

Cover Comments: For some reason, I feel like this isn't a colour we see very often and I like it! It's definitely a softer tone than the Bloodlines cover but I really like that creamy shade matched with the gold writing. Other than that, it's alright.

Monday, 2 July 2012

Canada celebrated its 145th birthday yesterday and although I'm a day late in posting this, it's never too late to recognize the importance, is it? Besides, I think I can still hear fireworks ringing in my ears....

I wanted to share some SUPER COOL (disclaimer: maybe) facts about Canada - there are many of them! Thanks to Random History.

1. Canada is the 2nd largest country in the world - try 3, 855, 103 square miles!

2. Canada is the 9th most sparsely populated country.

3. The average life expectancy of a Canadian is 81.16 years, making Canada the 8th highest in the world.

4. A Canadian (James Naismith) invented basketball (see, we're good for more than just hockey)

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About Me

In addition to being a book lover, Sonia is a tree hugger and happiness enthusiast. She loves to learn (yay school!) and could gush endlessly about Harry Potter. Sonia is a very proud Hufflepuff. BADGER PRIDE!